During their executive session on the 2008 supplemental operating budget this afternoon, the Senate Ways and Means committee added $1 million to the University’s budget for the eScience Institute proposal that was part of the UW’s original supplemental budget request. The amendment was co-sponsored by Senators Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-Seattle) and Senator Brian Hatfield (D-Raymond). Senator Ed Murray (D-Seattle) who is not on the committee also played an important role in advocating for the amendment.
The committee also added funding for a Ruckelshaus Center study related to patient safety (which was included in the House budget) and funding related to bills dealing with improving medical care for persons with developmental disabilities.
The funding for the eScience Institute comes from the state general fund, but a corresponding transfer from a state convention and trade center account was made in order to maintain the Senate’s existing general fund reserve.
The full Senate should take action on the supplemental budget tomorrow or Friday. Negotiations on differences between the two chambers will begin next week.